- Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab will gradually cease its US operations starting July 20 due to a ban imposed by the US Department of Commerce citing national security concerns.
- The new restrictions highlight escalating tensions between the US and Russia in cybersecurity, with the US government citing national security concerns despite Kaspersky’s leadership in identifying government hacking threats and its commitment to global cybersecurity.
OUR TAKE
The US’s ban on Russian firms risks its people’s living from both in employment and cybersecurity. This could stifle innovation and cooperation in an industry that thrives on the free exchange of ideas and technologies. In the digital age, power and politics are inextricably linked, and the casualties of this conflict are often the very principles of openness and collaboration that the tech industry was built upon.
–Ashley Wang, BTW reporter
What happened
Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab has announced it will gradually cease its US operations, starting from July 20. This decision follows a recent ban imposed by the US Department of Commerce, which prohibits the sale and provision of Kaspersky’s products within the United States. The move will lead to the elimination of all US-based positions at the company.
Founded in Moscow in 1997, Kaspersky Lab has grown to become a prominent player in the cybersecurity industry, known for its comprehensive analysis of hacking operations by various governments, including Russia, the US, and Israel.
The shutdown ends nearly two decades of Kaspersky Lab’s presence in the US market. The Department of Commerce announced the ban in June, citing its concerns over national security. US officials have voiced apprehensions that the Russian government could exploit Kaspersky’s anti-virus software for espionage or data collection on American citizens. Kaspersky has firmly denied these allegations.
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Why it’s important
The new restrictions are set to come into full effect on September 29, preventing downloads of software updates, resales, and licensing of Kaspersky products. This unprecedented action follows a series of executive orders aimed at protecting American personal data from foreign adversaries, initiated under the Trump administration and expanded by President Biden.
Kaspersky’s ousting under the guise of security concerns seems more like a thinly veiled attempt to stifle competition. The company has been a leader in identifying threats from various governments, including its own, showcasing its commitment to global cybersecurity. Yet, the US government paints it as a potential threat, ignoring its contributions and capabilities. This action sets a dangerous precedent, where political motives can override facts and expertise.
Kaspersky Lab expressed its commitment to continue investing in strategic markets and to uphold its service to customers and partners worldwide. The shutdown of its US operations marks a significant shift for the company and underscores the escalating tensions between the US and Russia not just in politics, but expanding in cybersecurity.
